Episode 220: The Role Trauma and Stress Play in Disease
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: This week, we’re diving into a topic that many of us would rather avoid—how stress and trauma affect our bodies. If you’re like Kim, it’s not a conversation you’re eager to have, but it’s one that matters deeply if we want to live as our healthiest, most authentic selves. Joining the discussion is our friend and regular guest, Estefana Johnson, who helps unpack what happens “when the body says no.” Together, we explore the hidden ways internal stress and unresolved trauma can shape our health, behaviors, and overall wellbeing. From understanding Adverse Childhood...
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Episode 219: When Grandparents Become Parents
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: This week, we’re diving into an important and often overlooked topic — when grandparents step into the role of parent. In 2024, Duet reported that more than 64,000 grandparents in Arizona are raising their grandchildren, and census data shows the state ranks above the national average for grandparents providing care. For every one child raised by kin within the foster care system, there are eight being raised by kin outside of it. In this episode, we’re honored to talk with Oralia, a grandmother navigating the challenges and joys of raising her grandchildren, and Lisa from Duet,...
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Episode 218: Supporting Young Adults with Addiction
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: This week on the podcast, we wrap up our series on substance use with an honest and compassionate conversation about supporting young adults who are struggling with addiction. Joining us again are Kim McWilliams and Sarah Grado, who bring both personal insight and professional experience to this deeply important topic. We begin by exploring why this issue is so relevant today—looking at current statistics, the driving factors behind them, and the real-life experiences of youth that go beyond the numbers. From there, we shift to the power of connection on the other side of addiction:...
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Episode 217: The Impact of Marijuana on the Adolescent Brain
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In our last episode, we explored how substances affect infants. But what about adolescents? Is marijuana really a big deal for today’s youth, and what do parents and communities need to know to keep them safe? In this episode, we welcome Kim McWilliams, an award-winning licensed counselor, and Sarah Grado, Executive Director of Not My Kid, a local Arizona nonprofit dedicated to substance use prevention and recovery. Together, they shed light on the realities of marijuana use among teens, the ripple effects it creates at school, at home, and among peers, and how communities are...
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Episode 216: The Impact of Substance Use on the Infant Brain
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: From the very first breaths of life, some babies face challenges most of us can hardly imagine. Born substance-exposed, these newborns often enter the world in pain, their tiny bodies working through the effects of addiction before they even have a chance to begin. In the Phoenix Valley, Jacob’s Hope is stepping into that story with compassion and care. Their mission is twofold: to nurture newborns who are substance-exposed and to walk alongside mothers who are fighting to overcome addiction, offering them the support they need for a healthier future. Today, we’re joined by two...
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Episode 215: Empowering Children with Learning Disabilities
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: School is back in session, and for parents raising kids who need extra support, the start of the year can bring more than just new routines; it can stir up anxiety, frustration, and countless questions about navigating the system to get the right resources. In this episode, we sit down with Joey Taylor, an education advocate, foster parent, and adoptive parent whose journey is as inspiring as it is unique. Raised and educated in Arizona, Joey’s path has taken him from the halls of jail to the desks of exceptional students, and into the homes of families in crisis. His experiences...
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Episode 214: Keep Goaling!
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, Brian and Kim dive into the struggles parents face when life feels stuck in worry about our kids, our future, and the unknown. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Edith Eger’s wisdom, they remind us that “you’re going to be 50 anyways,” so why not keep moving toward growth and possibility? Together, they unpack what it means to get back on the “dream train,” exploring how parents can rediscover passions and live without regrets. This conversation isn’t about pretending life is all sunshine and rainbows, no trolls are left behind here, but about choosing...
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Episode 213: The Housing Crisis' Impact on Youth
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Today we’re talking about the youth housing crisis with Matt Finley, who leads Maricopa County’s efforts to improve the youth homelessness response system. From direct services to policy, Matt brings deep experience to this urgent conversation. We explore what’s driving the crisis, how the needs of youth have changed, and what solutions are making a difference—from statewide initiatives to mentorship programs. Tune in to learn what’s working, what still needs to change, and how we can better support unhoused youth across Arizona and beyond. This is a conversation you won’t...
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Episode 212: Setting Realistic Expectations
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: Last week, Kim and I got real about navigating the spaces of unmet expectations. But what if we could keep ourselves out of those spaces of disappointment – or at least visit them less often – by setting realistic expectations in the first place? This week, we’re diving into that question with Estefana Johnson. Estefana is a clinical social worker who began her career supporting youth in residential treatment facilities. She now serves as the Clinical Director for ASA Now and Shade Tree Academy, bringing a wealth of knowledge, practical tools, and encouragement to the families...
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Episode 211: Discovering Opportunity in Unmet Expectations
Fostering Voices Podcast
Summary: In this episode, we’re having the real conversation about unmet expectations—and the choices we have in processing them. Do we dwell in disappointment, or do we discover unexpected opportunities? Without minimizing life’s real challenges, we share personal stories and honest reflections on navigating the gap between what we hoped for and what actually is. We explore the grieving process that often comes with unmet expectations and how it’s okay to feel the weight of that gap. Then, we shift the lens to see how those very moments can hold hidden gifts. From redefining success...
info_outlineEpisode 33 is another great one, featuring an interview with the delightful and smart Maggie Zehring.
But before we dive into the goodness of that interview, Chris and I got stuck in the intro about the number 33, and what it has meant to Chris in his life.
We referenced Larry Bird, who was in fact from French Lick, Indiana, as Chris mentioned. But he was actually born in West Baden Springs, Indiana.
Patrick Ewing had some very colorful shoes when I was in High School (which was 20 years ago), and shockingly still sells them! This is brand new information! You can buy some here if you are interested. But if you want to be true to the fashion of 1990s, your jeans better be gigantic, and the same color as the shoes.
Now, onto the interview!
The basics about our guest today: Maggie is married to a great guy named Nick. Together they have 2 bio baby boys, and a foster son smack dab in the middle of the boys. The kids are all 8 months apart. And the eldest isn't even 3 yet. And Maggie is pregnant. And adorable.
You can learn more about Maggie on her website. And find her on Instagram.
My first encounter with her was when I read an article she had written for 'Raising Arizona Kids', when I was at the doctor's office. The article caught my attention because it was by a mom who was raising 3 kids 2 and under, and I just thought "that woman is crazy", and now I know for a fact that I was correct. :)
She has some really great resources on her website for foster parents, including a downloadable version of the letter she sent out to her support system as they were getting ready to foster. As well as copies of letters to bio parents, and a master spreadsheet for foster parents. You can find them all here.
Maggie also mentioned the awesome book "The Connected Child" by the late Dr. Karen Purvis, and it is incredible. Maggie gave a copy to her family members so they could have an idea of how to help care for foster children as well.
Maggie's family is licensed through Arizona Baptist Children's Services, and as an agency they do not have any rules about fostering while pursuing pregnancy, which some other agencies do.
She said that one of the difficulties she has had in her foster care journey has been the unmet expectations, which is common to many foster families. Especially when you hear that something, and believe it is a 'rule', only to find out it is not. For example, she believed that a child's time in care was a determining factor to a case, and it is not. It's sometimes hard to tell what are determining factors in any case...
A key to her family's success in fostering, has been her wrap team. Which is just her support system. We believe that this is a major game changer for foster families as well, so if you are considering getting into foster care, make sure you have people who know what you are getting into, and who are willing to support you in it.
Maggie also mentioned ACEs, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and you can take the test and find out what it all means here. Or just google it. There is A LOT of information about it.
Maggie's husband, Nick, is an awesome dad and husband, and he gives Maggie every Saturday morning to herself so that she can write, and get work done, all by herself! Way to go Nick. That is truly a gift that keeps on giving!
The (Good) Word of the Day:
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ "
-Matthew 25:21
This verse simply calls us to be FAITHFUL servants. Not happy servants. Not well rested servants. Just faithful ones.
And, our reward for being faithful servants is our master's happiness. Not great riches, or lots of sleep.
Thank you Maggie for sharing this verse, and your story with us!
We hope you enjoy this episode, and we will see you again next week!
If you want to connect on Social Media, you can find me at:
Jihae Watson on Facebook
Fostering Voices on Instagram
Jihae Watson on Instagram
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